In August, the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) released a new water-sector example designed to help critical infrastructure operators apply secure connectivity principles to operational technology environments. The guidance focuses on how water utilities can improve cyber resilience while maintaining reliable and safe operations.
Using a fictional water utility scenario, the NCSC demonstrates practical approaches for reducing cyber exposure across industrial control systems. The example explores methods for managing legacy technology, centralizing connectivity, and strengthening network boundaries between operational systems and external networks.
The guidance highlights the increasing importance of secure remote access and governance controls in modern water infrastructure. As utilities continue to digitize operations, maintaining visibility and control over connections to critical assets becomes essential for preventing cyber incidents.
For water companies facing growing regulatory and security requirements, the NCSC example provides a valuable framework for strengthening resilience. It reinforces the idea that cybersecurity must be integrated into both infrastructure architecture and day-to-day operational decision-making.